Just Planting Trees

Winter 2025

In recent years, it feels like almost everyone has been yelling “Let’s just plant trees” as the answer to the environmental challenges we face, particularly in combating climate change and biodiversity loss. While this sentiment may be well-intentioned, the reality of woodland restoration is far more complex than simply putting any tree in any piece of ground. Without careful consideration of the ecological, social, and logistical aspects of such projects, the benefits of tree planting can be diminished or even counterproductive.

The Dangers of Simplistic

At first glance, tree planting seems like a straightforward solution, and in an increasingly noisy world, we are often drawn towards the apparently simple. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, provide habitats, and enhance the landscape. But this logic oversimplifies the intricate dynamics at play in nature. There are numerous cases where poorly planned tree-planting initiatives have led to unintended consequences, such as disrupting local biodiversity, altering hydrological cycles, or even introducing invasive species that outcompete native flora. These issues highlight the importance of making informed choices when designing and executing woodland restoration projects.

A comprehensive approach requires considering far more than the number of trees planted. The choice of species, the origin and provenance of seed source, the condition of the soil, local climate factors, and even the potential risks posed by invasive species or pathogens must be carefully evaluated. Our approach for example includes a focus on factors like biosecurity protocols, site-specific vegetation management, and long-term maintenance which are all critical to ensuring successful, sustainable woodland restoration projects.

Why Detail Matters

Not all trees are created equally. Tree species selection is one of the most crucial elements of any restoration effort. Planting non-native or inappropriate species for the local climate can create ecological imbalances, putting local wildlife at risk. In some cases, fast-growing non-native species can deplete the soil of nutrients or alter water availability or movement, leading to broader environmental degradation.

For example, in regions where native oak or beech trees thrive, planting fast-growing species such as Sitka spruce or eucalyptus may seem beneficial in terms of carbon capture, but these species fail to support the rich biodiversity that native woodlands provide. Such species can also lower water tables or increase soil acidity, hindering the growth of other plants and disrupting existing ecosystems.

More Than Just Dirt

Equally important is understanding the condition of the soil. Tree planting initiatives often neglect the importance of healthy soil structure, microbial life, and the existing vegetation that may play a vital role in ecosystem stability. Soil compaction, poor drainage, and nutrient imbalances can all negatively impact the success of tree planting efforts. Without addressing these factors, newly planted trees may struggle to take root and thrive.

How you treat the ground is hugely important in woodland restoration projects. Minimal ground disturbance in preparation for planting is the best approach to avoid disturbing existing ecosystems. This approach leverages the natural advantages of the current plant community, such as moisture retention, temperature moderation, and the support of beneficial microorganisms.

Minimising Plastic in the Tree Planting Process

In our commitment to sustainability, we work incredibly hard to minimise the use of plastic throughout every stage of the tree planting process—whether it’s in growing, delivery, planting, or protection once planted. We strive to eliminate or drastically reduce single-use plastic by avoiding the use of tree guards, reusable planting materials, and plastic-free packaging for saplings. Additionally, we prioritise sourcing trees from nurseries that share our plastic-reduction ethos, ensuring that every step of the process reflects our broader commitment to ecological integrity and reducing our environmental footprint.

The Spread of Invasive Species

In the globalised world, the risks of introducing invasive species and pathogens through tree planting activities are greater than ever. Many tree planting projects fail to consider the biosecurity risks posed by non-native pathogens or organisms that may be introduced with imported saplings. The devastating effects of diseases such as ash dieback or Phytophthora root rot, which have wiped out vast areas of woodland across Europe, should serve as a stark reminder that tree planting is not without its environmental risks.

We apply biosecurity measures in every project to protect against these very risks. This includes sourcing trees from certified nurseries (all of which we visit ahead of time) and maintaining meticulous records of tree health and origin. It also involves inspecting saplings for diseases, ensuring that equipment used on multiple sites is thoroughly cleaned, and making use of disinfectant protocols where necessary.

Partnerships Make Perfect

Partnering with expert advisors and specialists, like TreeStory, Scottish regenerative forestry consultancy that we’ve partnered with at our Scottish Estates, is essential for the success of woodland restoration projects. Their in-depth knowledge of ecosystems, species selection, and land management ensures that restoration efforts are tailored to the specific needs of each landscape. By working with specialists, projects can achieve more resilient and sustainable outcomes that benefit both the environment and local communities.

It’s About the Long-Term

A critical aspect often overlooked in tree planting projects is the long-term maintenance of newly restored woodlands. Trees require care and monitoring in their early years to ensure survival. This might include watering, mulching, weeding, or even replacing saplings that fail to thrive, or even survive. The establishment phase is the most vulnerable, and without a clear post-planting care strategy, the initial effort and significant investment can be lost.

Incorporating local communities in the ongoing care and management of woodland areas can not only help reduce costs but where possible (and where they are willing) can foster a sense of ownership and stewardship over these spaces. This social dimension is essential to the initiation and long-term success of any ecological project. Collaborative initiatives with community engagement, such as volunteer programmes, educational workshops, and the use of local knowledge, can ensure that the restored woodland continues to benefit both people and wildlife for generations to come.

Thoughtful Woodland Restoration

Tree planting is a wonderful thing when done with consideration and care, but alone, it’s not a silver bullet for climate change or biodiversity loss. Instead, it must be part of a broader, more holistic strategy for landscape restoration. This includes protecting existing forests, restoring degraded lands, and enhancing natural processes such as rewilding, landscape connectivity and natural flood management. Tree planting can play a critical role in this, but only when done thoughtfully, with a deep understanding of the local ecology and a commitment to long-term care.

We must shift the narrative from “just plant trees” to “plant the right trees in the right place, for the right reasons at the right time.” Only then will our efforts contribute meaningfully to restoring ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, and mitigating climate change.